Crabby Adventures: Making Accessibility Fun in Video Games

Discover how Another Crab's Treasure developers are revolutionizing game accessibility beyond traditional norms.
Crabby Adventures: Making Accessibility Fun in Video Games

Highlights

  • Introducing unconventional accessibility features in a Soulslike game
  • Exploring the humor and innovation behind adding a handgun as an accessibility option
  • Balancing fun gameplay with inclusive design in Another Crab's Treasure

Crabby Adventures is redefining the Soulslike gaming experience in a truly unique way. The indie studio, Aggro Crab, has submerged its game entirely underwater, granting the hermit crab hero, Kril, magical abilities and diverse defensive mechanisms fueled by Umami's life force.

In Crabby Adventures, Kril utilizes various shells for protection against foes, including unconventional choices like an old sneaker, a battered metal can, and even a handgun for those who enjoy a twist. During a recent dialogue with Game Rant, Nick Kaman, the studio's head and art director, alongside Caelan Pollock, the creative and narrative lead, shared insights into the handgun's incorporation into the game.

Embracing Innovation: The Handgun in Another Crab's Treasure

In the contemporary gaming landscape, ensuring accessibility for diverse player needs has become paramount. Features like customizable controls, text-to-speech, and difficulty settings are common. Aggro Crab's decision to include a handgun stemmed from a humorous perspective initially, a choice that resonated with both players and accessibility advocates. This unconventional addition was later integrated into the game's accessibility menu, albeit with a twist – the handgun serves as the 'ultimate difficulty option.' Pollock described it as a tool that alters the game's dynamics significantly.

Kaman emphasized that the handgun's introduction aligns with a fundamental aspect of accessibility: enjoyment. By reducing the game's difficulty, players can now defeat bosses with a single shot when equipped with the handgun. This modification showcases the studio's commitment to making games more inclusive and enjoyable for a broader audience. According to Kaman, if a feature needs to be adjusted for accessibility, it should be done in a fun and engaging manner – like the thrill of defeating challenging bosses effortlessly. As Kaman highlighted,

Diving into Uncharted Waters: Firearms in Another Crab's Treasure

Kaman acknowledged the novelty of using a gun to eliminate adversaries in Crabby Adventures

From a narrative standpoint, the handgun's functionality is seamlessly woven into the game's lore. Despite the logical inconsistency of firearms underwater, Pollock explained that the handgun operates akin to other shells in the game, employing a Shell Spell empowered by Umami. This mystical essence enables Kril to employ Shell Spells reminiscent of past oceanic debris, embodying the essence of innovation within the game's universe. Pollock humorously remarked that crabs wielding guns defy conventional logic.

With its unconventional narrative and engaging accessibility features, Crabby Adventures promises a fresh perspective on the Soulslike genre, catering to a diverse player base. As players gear up with a Glock, alternative shells, and formidable melee weapons, Kril is poised to conquer the depths of the ocean on April 25.